Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

160. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he would consider introducing an amnesty for owners of ash dieback plantations in order to let them clear their sites and get the salvage value from the timber, and for safety reasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30057/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Last month, an Interim Reconstitution Scheme for Ash Dieback via general de minimis was launched which contains a doubling of site clearance rates, increased grant rates and an improved premium regime. The interim scheme includes the following enhanced features:

• 100% increase in the site clearance grant rate from €1,000 to €2,000.
• Enhanced grant rates as per draft Forestry programme 2023-2027
• Those applicants whose sites are still in premium will continue to receive the premium due for the remaining years.
• In addition, for those in receipt of farmer rate of premium, a top up premium equal to the difference between the equivalent forestry type and the existing premium will be paid. This will be calculated for the remaining years left in premium and paid in a single sum.

The Forestry Act, 2014 provides for an exemption from obtaining a tree felling licence in situations where the tree felling is carried out to control or to prevent the spread of disease. Applicants are not required to obtain a tree felling licence as part of the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (RUS).

A similar scheme for the reconstitution of ash dieback will be launched as part of the new forestry programme.

Unfortunately ash dieback is now endemic in our countryside. To date my Department has provided over €9 million in support to landowners with infected plantations by removing and replanting their sites with alternative species. We have also doubled the rates for this recently. As we approach 10 years of these supports, I have listened to the concerns of landowners and Minister of State, Pippa Hackett has tasked an independent group to review existing supports. The group will comprise three members of the Project Board overseeing the implementation of Project Woodland.

Jo O’Hara, Jerry Grant and Matt Crowe have been immense assistance in helping to deliver Project Woodland and I am grateful for their willingness to take on this additional task.

My Department has received applications for assistance under these schemes for almost 6,500 hectares of grant aided ash to date. It is important with the upcoming introduction of a new Forestry programme that farmers continue to have confidence in the Forestry schemes and this review will be very timely. Consultation with stakeholders will be an essential part of the Review and the Group will be in direct contact with stakeholders to ensure that their voice is heard. I expect to receive the groups final report by 15 September after which I will fully consider its recommendations.